2020 Return to Learn

Return to Learn
Model Update
August 24, 2020
 District Specific Model Selection
Following MDE and MDH guidance, districts must use the statistical guidance
above as our primary consideration. They are then to consider stakeholder
input and district specific strengths and challenges as secondary
considerations as they decide upon the model best meets the needs of the
current situation.

Districts must be prepared to implement all three models throughout the

year. It is also possible that the intended initial model could change prior to
the start of the year, or that the model must changed very quickly based on
changing safety factors.
 Planning for 3 Scenarios

● In-person learning: All can attend school in person

● Hybrid learning: Combination of in-person and distance learning.
● Distance Learning 2.0: Students learning through digital platforms
We will offer a distance learning model to all families who choose not to attend in-person
learning following state guidance. We may also use different scenarios at different levels at the
same time based on needs.
 District Advisory Committee
MDE guidance also recommends meeting with a wide variety of stakeholders
as they make their initial decision. To meet this expectation, we have formed
a district advisory committee to provide input on decision making criteria to
ensure that district administration continues to look at these secondary
criteria as it makes future determinations on model changes.
District Advisory Council Input Rubric
 District Advisory Committee Input
● In general, respondents agree the hybrid/hybrid model addresses safety of
students and staff, but several expressed concerns on data trends
● Results are mixed regarding the ability of the model to deliver high-quality
instruction to students in part because resources are stretched to provide
state mandated emergency childcare.
● Respondents agree the model meets district equity criteria of access,
participation, representation and outcomes. Comments regarded access to
technology (which is being addressed).
● The ability of the plan to optimize use of resources was mixed, again in part
related to ability to provide emergency childcare and hybrid/hybrid.
● Respondents agree the district is working to engage community and
stakeholders in plan development.
 Recommendation for a Shift In Model
Based on Needs

Based on the safe learning guidelines, we are

recommending an initial model of elementary hybrid and
secondary distance learning.

We are committed to this model through the first quarter of the

2020-21 school year, barring any major increase in COVID rates
Rationale
District Advisory Committee Considerations
(Repeated)
● In general, respondents agree the hybrid/hybrid model addresses safety of
students and staff, but several expressed concerns on data trends
● Results are mixed regarding the ability of the model to deliver high-quality
instruction to students in part because resources are stretched to provide
state mandated emergency childcare.
● Respondents agree the model meets district equity criteria of access,
participation, representation and outcomes. Comments regarded access to
technology (which is being addressed).
● The ability of the plan to optimize use of resources was mixed, again in part
related to ability to provide emergency childcare and hybrid/hybrid.
● Respondents agree the district is working to engage community and
stakeholders in plan development.
 Childcare Needs
Parent results from our recent survey showed over 1,000 students may need
child care. We simply do not have space to run hybrid well at both the
elementary and secondary levels along with childcare. We investigated a wide
variety of options for additional space, including rental of facilities to
purchasing of portable classrooms. None of these options can be effectively
put in place for the start of the school year to support the needs of learning
and childcare in this mode.

The state has made it clear that childcare must be the overriding priority.
Moving to a hybrid / distance model gives us the space we need along with
the paraprofessionals and others that will be needed for support.
 Focus on Quality Distance Learning
This choice allows us to focus on providing high-quality distance well, as
opposed to trying to do three things at the same time as the start of the
year.

In a secondary hybrid mode, due to subject specific needs, teachers would

be responsible for teaching hybrid in-person, hybrid remote, and distance
learners all in the same time frame.

As capacity for serving secondary students in a distance model increases, a

hybrid structure with quality for all learners will be possible.
 State Guidance, Local Data

MDE Safe Learning Model Guidelines

Current Local COVID-19 Numbers
What changes will you see based on this shift
in model?

■ Develop opportunities for in-person

support
■ Technology - Increased capacity
■ Athletics
■ Childcare
 Distance Learning 2.0
● Learning from home
● Significantly improved over spring emergency
model
● Investments in devices for students
● Working to provide internet accessibility through
hotspots
● Elementary platform: SeeSaw
● Middle & High School platform: Canvas
● Create high quality, engaging learning, tailored to
individual student needs
● More interaction with teachers and classmates
 Additional Resources

www.ISD709.org/ReturnToLearn